AMLI South Lake Union Apartments

Location: Seattle, WA

Year: 2014

Client: AMLI Residential

Architect: GGLO

Photos: Michael Walmsley

AMLI SLU is a new 175 unit, 225,000 square foot, mixed use building in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle. The building includes 4,000 sf of ground level retail, 5 stories of wood framing over a 2 story concrete podium with 2 levels of underground parking.

A distinctive feature of the building is the “Airstream” siding. During preconstruction Rafn built a 3D digital model to best understand how all the parts and pieces would interact with each other and to sequence the layers of the envelope installation. The original concept for the radiused siding components evolved from a totally separate, structurally attached, steel frame to what it ultimately became - a wood framed structure inside the exterior building envelope. Moving the structure inside of the envelope created a more typical installation of a WRB (weather resistant barrier) / rainscreen system and eliminated many difficult transitions and flashings that would have needed to endure for the life of the building. It also allowed for a more streamlined outside appearance.

Building amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness zone; clubroom with full kitchen and a large-screen entertainment center; bicycle repair station and indoor storage facilities; off-leash area and spa for pets; two lush courtyards; and a serene 3,600 square foot sky deck including outdoor entertainment facilities with a green roof, grilling station, firepit, and views of Lake Union.